Movement and positioning in labor work magic. Movement enhances comfort by stimulating the receptors in the brain that decrease pain perception. The result is that you are able to tolerate increasingly strong contractions. When contractions become very strong, endorphins are released and pain perception decreases even more. Ultimately, your movement in response to your contractions decreases pain and facilitates labor – a win-win. Movement also helps the baby move through the pelvis, and some positions enlarge pelvic diameters.

The positions shown here facilitate the normal, natural process of labor. What position should you use? Follow your body. Move freely in response to what you feel. Your body will let you know just what position is best at every point in your labor.

STANDING SUPPORTED SQUAT

Pros

Realigns your pelvis to increase the opening by up to 15 percent

Allows you to be supported by your standing or sitting partner, the wall or a squat bar

Takes advantage of gravity

Makes contractions feel less painful and more productive

Lengthens your trunk and helps your baby line up with the angle of your pelvis